Interesting question, not really sure. I guess you are looking for some sort of ambient scene to join? I don't really know of any place that has a scene based around ambient/space music these days. There use to be some what of a scene here in LA but that was decades ago. Other cities like San Francisco, Portland, Tucson, and Philadelphia have had something but I am not really sure if they are that viable anymore. Maybe the best advice I can think of is find somewhere you want to live, that has the quality of life you want then go there. Most of us seem to be all over the map so I don't think a particular place really maters anymore.

Rule out any cities along the south eastern Florida coast......not to say that there aren't ambient music fans and musician just no community per se.

I think the community has be a virtual one for a while, like this forum and others. It has become more of a global community with respected musicians collaborating on music who are continents away from each other.

There is no Nashville for ambient space music but the cities that Loren mentioned do seem to have more interest in things out side the "popular" Box.

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"Life is one big road, with lots of signs, so when you ride to the Roots, do not complicate your mind, ... " Bob Marley

Philadelphia has a fairly active ambient/space community. Chuck Van Zyl hosts The Gatherings and Stars End. There are some shows at the Rotunda and Moonbase Alpha. There are also 3 or 4 radio shows that feature Ambient/Space Music.

I get great impressions about Philly and west coast USA. Sara Ayers opened my eyes about Albany NY which doesn't really have an ambient community but is in striking distance for concerts and gigs in Philly, Boston, New York and the surrounding area. If you're in a large metropolis you can actually build a small ambient community if you have the willpower and staying power to make it happen.

Actually the NW is great if you can tolerate 7 months of rain. It is picturesque and very inspirational.

Most the westcoast is beautiful(sans LA) but the economy on the westcoast vs eastcoast circa 2013 might be a bit of a challenge as CA has a higher than average unemployment.

If you prefer desert I suggest Santa Fe, NM.

Stay away from Florida, too much going on with the whole Zimmerman thing plus the heat and humidity and lack of any beautiful landscapes unless you like the beach and malls makes it a - in my opinion.....

As far as the "scene" I believe San Francisco and Philadelphia have more of the scene but dont expect massive crowds at the shows!

I would say that the best place for an ambient musician to live is anywhere with a relatively low cost of living, so that you could take on work that isn't overly demanding. Then you'll have time and money to actually spend on making music. The ambient community is for the most part, internet based now.

Having said that, I'm a hypocrite, as I have a demanding job and housing costs where I live are quite high.... but if I could work 25 hours a week and still have a roof over my head I'd gladly live in Winnipeg or something....